I was searching for a personal debt consolidation loan when Westlake Referrals popped up on the internet. I completed a loan application that included my SSN, driver's license number, name of my employer, how and when I get paid (direct deposit of course), name of my bank and my checking account number.
I received a call 2-3 days later from 'Marlo' stating I had been approved and asking me to call her back, which I did. She stated I was approved at a great interest rate and terms that were unbelievable.
I knew it was a fraud when I was told due to my credit, I would need to put up 'collateral' for the loan in the form of paying the first 4 payments up front, a total of $1,161.08. 'Marlo' stated they would then wire the funds into my checking account within 1-2 hours after receiving the funds from me. She verified my paydate, asking if I would be able to send the 'collateral' at that time.
She emailed me the 'loan documents' and requested I sign them and return them with a copy of my driver's license, social security card and a blank check for the wiring information.
I found their website after quite a search and that confirmed my suspicions when I noticed multiple mis-spellings and grammatical errors within the site.
I also checked the New York Secretary of State to see if there was a business with that name registered to do business within the state of New York. There isn't.
Luckily for me, I got wise before they could get any money from me. I have notified my bank, placed a fraud alert with all 3 credit bureaus and contact the Social Security department to report my social compromised.